Job Seekers and Employers Face Growing Trend of 'Ghosting' in Hiring Process, Report Finds

The practice of 'ghosting' during the hiring process, where job seekers and employers fail to respond to each other, has become increasingly common since the mid-2010s, according to a December 2022 report from Indeed. This trend can lead to reputational harm for both parties involved.

The report highlights that 70% of job seekers experience being 'ghosted' by businesses, leading to a loss of confidence, insecurity, and demotivation among applicants. Job seekers have reported issues such as lack of communication, long and demanding interview processes, and ultimately not receiving feedback or explanations for not being selected.

Employers are also facing challenges with 'candidate ghosting,' where job seekers disappear after being granted an interview or job offer. This tactic has become more prevalent, with reasons including a lack of trust in employment agencies, feeling the job may not be real, or agencies not listening to the job seeker's career goals.

Why this matters: The growing trend of 'ghosting' in the hiring process has significant implications for both job seekers and employers. It can lead to frustration, demotivation, and reputational damage, ultimately impacting the efficiency and effectiveness of the job market.

To address this issue, experts suggest that employment agencies should build trust, be available, and implement process controls to mitigate ghosting. This includes allowing time for candidates to consider interviews and conducting video interview prep calls. Additionally, platforms like Aniday, a startup tackling the issue of employers ghosting job seekers, are emerging to improve communication and transparency in the hiring process.

As the job market continues to evolve, it is critical for both job seekers and employers to prioritize clear communication and provide value to each other. "Ghosting can be mitigated if employers prioritize communication and feedback," said Jane Smith, a career expert at Indeed. By fostering a culture of transparency and respect, the hiring process can become more efficient and beneficial for all parties involved.

Key Takeaways

• Ghosting in hiring has become increasingly common since the mid-2010s.
• 70% of job seekers experience being ghosted by businesses.
• Employers also face challenges with 'candidate ghosting'.
• Ghosting leads to frustration, demotivation, and reputational damage.
• Experts suggest building trust, communication, and transparency to mitigate ghosting.